Vegan dining options in Saudi Arabia are in demand, with many restaurants and cafes catering for this diet and offering plant-based alternatives to animal products.
Vegans in Jeddah have been celebrating this month’s opening of The Vegan Street, which is located next to Jarir Bookstore on Sari Street.
It offers scrummy sweet and savory items such as cauliflower buffalo wings, mushroom pizza, a plant-based burger, raspberry biscuits and cinnamon rolls.
The Vegan Street story started in the middle of this year with three young Saudis who were interested in taking up a healthy and balanced lifestyle in terms of physical movement, such as yoga, as well as meditation and nutrition.
Theirs is the first Saudi restaurant to be approved by BeVeg, the world’s leading vegan certification company, which has a single measure to standardize vegan claims worldwide.
The team behind the restaurant believe that humans are an integrated system of body, mind and soul.
“The restaurant provides options that address all senses, soulful food that fills the belly and heart too,” the owners told Arab News.
The vegan market is somewhat new in the Arab world, and the challenge facing the entrepreneur in this field is making high-quality products at a reasonable cost and at a price point that caters to most customer segments.
“The goal is to help people find options that meet their needs outside the home and in the midst of their busy lives,” the restaurant’s owners said.
The team started off with nine items on the menu and are now in the soft opening phase. They are looking to get closer to their customers in terms of awaiting their suggestions and taking every note, idea and evaluation received into account.
The inspiration for the restaurant is the people who seek to bring more well-being into their lives. “It is not only a place that serves delicious food, it’s more than that. It is built from street life and to it. A community seeking well-being.”
The demand for vegan options has been increasing recently in terms of balancing one’s health.
There is also the added benefit of achieving sustainability and preserving the planet and environment in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan and G20 projects for a more sustainable future, a healthy life and a planet full of kindness and compassion, they said.
“We always remember that people never forget how you made them feel,” the restaurant team said. “The street food concept is based on simplicity, ease of finding and reasonable pricing, with an unforgettable taste. The menu will be expanded based on requests and suggestions, so that this place is for everyone and this community exists for everyone who wants to belong to it.”
Startup of the Week: The Vegan Street: Helping people maintain a healthy lifestyle
https://arab.news/m8adv
Startup of the Week: The Vegan Street: Helping people maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Theirs is the first Saudi restaurant to be approved by BeVeg, the world’s leading vegan certification company, which has a single measure to standardize vegan claims worldwide
Where We Are Going Today: Granny’s Cuisine
- Highlights included a fresh beetroot and rocca salad, well-seasoned foul, and a comforting hab soup that was balanced in spice
Visiting Historic Al-Balad during Ramadan is a cherished ritual for many families in Jeddah.
During the holy month, the area transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration. Strings of lights illuminate the heritage homes, while food stalls serving international cuisines line the courtyards. Families gather outdoors to share iftar in a setting that blends history with festivity.
Yet, the charm comes with a challenge. Securing a table requires arriving early, especially for those hoping to sample a variety of dishes from different stalls while enjoying the lively ambiance.
To avoid the rush, I reserved a table at Granny’s Cuisine, centrally located in Baya’h Square Yard. The restaurant offers a simple open buffet for SR50 ($13) per person, a reasonable price given the setting.
On arrival, I was relieved to find my table ready, while others were still searching for seating.
Before the call to prayer, traditional Saudi coffee, dates and water were served. The buffet, though modest, offered satisfying homemade flavors.
Highlights included a fresh beetroot and rocca salad, well-seasoned foul, and a comforting hab soup that was balanced in spice. Classic Ramadan favorites such as sambusa and mutabbaq were also available, along with a red-sauce pasta that was acceptable.
The grape leaves stood out, delicately prepared with tamarind, giving them a pleasant tangy note that fans of the dish will appreciate.
Juices were not included in the buffet price; a mango juice cost an additional SR10, a minor inconvenience. Dessert options featured basbousa and kunafa, while a self-serve coffee corner offered instant coffee and machine-brewed options.
The buffet was set indoors, where historic photographs of Al-Balad and Jeddah added a vintage touch to the decor. Indoor seating is also available for those seeking comfort away from the crowds.
Overall, the experience was enjoyable and well-organized. Granny’s Cuisine is a suitable choice for diners who wish to experience the spirit of Ramadan in Al-Balad without immersing themselves fully in the hustle and bustle of the busy courtyards.
